BCCI president promises fair spot fixing probe

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president N. Srinivasan Sunday said an independent commission will be set up to probe Chennai Super Kings chief executive — and his son-in-law — Gurunath Meiyappan’s role in the spot fixing scandal, and asserted that he will not have any role to play in its selection or work.

The BCCI chief also maintained that he won’t quit as he had “done no wrong”.

“I will not shirk from my duty. The BCCI will act without fear or favour. We will investigate. All the reports that there was a revolt in the BCCI… none of that happened. The BCCI is united. It is determined to work and justify people’s faith in the IPL,” said Srinivasan here, hours before the Indian Premier League (IPL) final match at the Eden Gardens between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians.

Commenting on the commission to be set up to probe Meiyappan’s role, Srinivasan said he has distanced himself from the commission.

“With Gurunath Meiyappan, the legal process has already started. He has been banned immediately. The disciplinary procedure will be initiated. A commission, including a member independent of BCCI, will investigate into this. I am not part of this commission. I will not play any role in its appointment or its work,” he said.

Srinivasan further added that the panel will include one independent member and two out of the following five: BCCI senior vice president Arun Jaitley, BCCI treasurer Ajay Shirke, IPL chairman Rajiv Shukla, former India skipper Ravi Shastri and BCCI secretary general Sanjay Jagdale.

“We have appointed a commission. I will not play any role in its appointment or its work. I am not part of that commission. The commission, including a member independent of BCCI, will investigate into this,” Srinivasan said.

On being further questioned about Meiyappan’s role, Srinivasan said the commission will answer the questions.

“He (Gurunath) has been travelling with the team. He is enthusiastic. What his role was… whether he transcended any rule… the commission will find out. The last few days have been difficult for the BCCI and for me as president. Also difficult for me as a father and a father-in-law,” he added.